Michael Joseph Morell (born September 4, 1958) is an American former career intelligence analyst who spent 33 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He rose through the ranks to become a senior intelligence official and key figure in U.S. national security, serving as Deputy Director of the CIA from 2010 to 2013 and twice acting as Director of the CIA: first in 2011 following Leon Panetta's appointment as Secretary of Defense, and again from 2012 to 2013 after David Petraeus's departure. During his tenure, Morell managed the agency's day-to-day operations, represented it at the White House and Congress, and played a significant role in intelligence and foreign policy matters, with extensive experience in counterterrorism and global affairs analysis. Often described as the 'Bob Gates of his generation' by Politico, his career emphasized strategic oversight and operational management in high-stakes environments. After retiring from the CIA, Morell transitioned to academia, becoming a professor at the George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government, where he continues to contribute to national security discussions as a leading expert, drawing on his deep background in intelligence analysis and policy.